FOCUS: Michigan Campaign for Justice
On February 18, 2009 the Campaign for Justice launched a campaign to win reforms to Michigan's system of public defense services. The coalition highlighted three crucial reforms: (1) improvement of cost effectiveness and increase of government efficiency; (2) protection of public safety; and (3) security of Michigan residents' constitutional right to effective defense representation.

The State Bar of Michigan works in close partnership with the Campaign.

At the Bar
Judicial Vacancy—44th Circuit Court
Hon. Stanley J. Latreille is vacating his seat on the 44th Circuit Court. State Bar members interested in applying for the judgeship should submit an application by March 17, 2009.View Information

Sections and Committees
The Probate & Estate Planning Section offered Public Policy reports on the following items:Support:Federal House Resolution 436: Certain Estate Tax Relief Act of 2009: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the new carryover basis rules in order to prevent tax increases and the imposition of compliance burdens on many more estates than would benefit from repeal, to retain the estate tax with a $3,500,000 exemption, and for other purposes